UFC: Why Dana White Would Be Crazy Not to Bring Back Brock Lesnar

In the past couple years very few men have captivated MMA audiences like Brock Lesnar.

He is without a doubt one of the most popular stars of MMA in recent memory. He may also be one of the most hated as well. That polarizing effect amongst fans of the sport isn't going to make Dana White shy away from welcoming "The Next Big Thing" back to the Octagon if the possibility happens.

"His deal with us was done and that was it. Sure, I would bring Brock back. If Brock wanted to fight in the UFC, I would do it," White said. (MMA Mania via Cageside Seats)

That's a big turnaround from reports that emerged following Lesnar's appearance at UFC 146, in which White didn't sound as optimistic about a return:

The meeting we had didn't really go very well. It wasn't a great meeting. It was probably one of the worst meetings we've ever had with Brock Lesnar. (via MMA Mania)

It appears as if some time apart has made both parties open to talking with one another again. Let's hope for the UFC's sake the former heavyweight champion makes a timely return.

I'm sure there's a large contingent of MMA fans who never want to see Lesnar's name anywhere near the UFC ever again, but let's just move past the Lesnar hate and see the logic of his potential return.

Is Lesnar still the PPV draw he once was? Probably not. But even if the man draws half as many fans as he once did, that's still better than the majority of UFC stars right now.

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The company is suffering through a financial drought of sorts with stars like Georges St. Pierre on the sidelines and Anderson Silva competing on a somewhat limited schedule. Bringing Lesnar back at least puts a Band-Aid on the financial issues currently besetting the company.

Also, Lesnar is an established star with the casual MMA fan. The UFC-FOX relationship has panned out as most MMA pundits predicted it would, but putting Lesnar on a FOX card is a ratings dream for the UFC.

Lesnar has skills that make him one of the best pure grapplers in the division. If he can get his striking woes figured out, the Minnesota-native could become a force in the division once more.

That's why its a win-win situation for the UFC should they bring Lesnar back. There's relatively little risk in bringing back an established name to the company, and there's the possibility of a big return on the dotted line.

Lesnar isn't the end-all solution for the sport's current problems, but he would definitely be a nice relief for both the UFC's financial team and for MMA fans.